Synopses & Reviews
Cassiodorus (c.485-585), Roman senator and consul, served in various high offices from c.505 to c.538, under the kings of the Ostrogoths, who had inherited the imperial administration of Italy. For long periods the Goths' chief publicist, he compiled the state papers he had drafted, as their regime crumbled under Byzantine attack. This selection is the first translation to appear since 1886.
Review
"... excellent and invaluable ..."--Classical Review
Synopsis
Cassiodorus (c. 485-585), Roman senator and consul, born into a leading southern Italian family, served in various high offices from ca. 505 to ca. 538 under the kings of the Ostrogoths, who had inherited the imperial administration of Italy. Turning thereafter to a religious life on his ancestral estate, he tried to develop monastic culture. For long periods the Goths' chief publicist, he compiled the state papers he had drafted, as their regime crumbled under Byzantine attack. These Variae were partly a political apology for the author, his colleagues, and his masters, and partly a text for the education--moral, rhetorical, and official--of the Roman upper class.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 189-194) and index.